Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe – A Sweet Southern Classic

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes! If you’re looking for a dish that is sweet, buttery, and practically melts in your mouth, you’ve found it. Candied sweet potatoes are a true Southern treasure, bringing cozy warmth to any meal, and they’re especially perfect for holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving or Christmas. I’m excited to share this recipe, and trust me, your kitchen will be filled with the warmest aromas!

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Why You’ll Love These Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

Candied sweet potatoes are more than just a side dish – they’re a sweet, buttery experience! Made with simple ingredients like granulated and brown sugars, rich butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg, these potatoes transform into a gooey, caramel-like delight. They’re as perfect for holiday gatherings as they are for any cozy dinner at home. Here’s why you’ll adore this recipe:

• Incredible Flavor: Each bite is a blend of sweet, buttery goodness with warm spices.
• Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these pantry ingredients on hand.
• Perfect Texture: Tender sweet potatoes in a thick, syrupy sauce that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
• Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Great for holiday dinners, but easy enough for weeknight meals too.

The Taste of Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth sweet potatoes bathed in a rich, spiced syrup. The sugar and butter caramelize as they bake, creating an irresistibly thick, sweet coating. The hint of cinnamon and nutmeg warms every bite, while the vanilla rounds out the flavor, making these potatoes taste just like home.

Benefits of Adding Candied Sweet Potatoes to Your Holiday Table

Not only are they delicious, but sweet potatoes are also packed with vitamins like beta-carotene and fiber. This recipe takes those nutritious sweet potatoes and gives them a holiday-worthy twist that brings both comfort and tradition to the table.

Ingredients for Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

• 4-5 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into rounds
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Medium saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Foil for covering during baking

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

While this recipe is simple and delicious as-is, here are a few ideas to customize it:

• Maple Syrup: Replace part of the sugar with maple syrup for an added layer of flavor.
• Pecans: Add chopped pecans for a nutty crunch.
• Orange Zest: A sprinkle of orange zest will add a bright, citrusy twist.
• Spices: Feel free to increase the cinnamon or nutmeg or add a dash of ground ginger for extra warmth.

How to Make Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Prep Sweet Potatoes

Arrange the sliced sweet potatoes in a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Syrup

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until everything is combined and the mixture begins to bubble slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Pour Over Potatoes

Pour the hot syrup over the sweet potatoes, making sure they’re evenly coated. Give the potatoes a gentle toss to ensure each slice is coated in syrup.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil, baste the sweet potatoes with the syrup, and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the syrup is thick and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

Let the candied sweet potatoes cool slightly, then serve them warm. They’re perfect for holiday meals or any time you’re craving something sweet and cozy!

What to Serve with Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

These sweet potatoes pair wonderfully with classic Southern or holiday dishes like roasted turkey, glazed ham, and green bean casserole. Add a simple green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts for balance, and you’ll have a meal that’s both festive and heartwarming.

Tips for Perfect Candied Sweet Potatoes

• Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes: Fresh, firm sweet potatoes hold up well in this recipe and give the best texture.
• Slice Evenly: Aim for consistent slices so they bake evenly.
• Keep an Eye on the Syrup: The syrup thickens as it bakes. Baste the sweet potatoes halfway through to coat them in the caramelized sauce.

Storing and Reheating Candied Sweet Potatoes

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm them in a baking dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or microwave individual servings until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, you can prepare the sweet potatoes and syrup a day ahead and refrigerate them. Simply bring the dish to room temperature before baking.

Can I use yams instead of sweet potatoes? Absolutely! Yams will work similarly, though they may offer a slightly different texture and taste.

Can I add marshmallows? Certainly! Add marshmallows on top for the last 5-10 minutes of baking if you want a gooey, toasted topping.

Is there a way to reduce the sugar? You can reduce each sugar to 3/4 cup for a slightly less sweet version without losing too much of the signature flavor.

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes – A Holiday Essential

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are truly a dish worth savoring. Their warm spices, buttery sweetness, and tender texture make them a welcome addition to any feast. Whether for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy family dinner, this recipe brings Southern comfort to your table. Try it out, and let me know how it turns out!

Try More Sweet Potato Recipes!

• Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
• Roasted Sweet Potato and Pecan Salad
• Creamy Sweet Potato Soup

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to see your results! Share your photos on Pinterest or tag us on social media. Enjoy these candied sweet potatoes and the joy they bring to your table!

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